* Shampooing and conditioning: This involves repeated hand immersion in water and contact with shampoos and conditioners.
* Rinsing: Rinsing hair after applying hair color, perms, or other treatments requires a lot of time under running water.
* Applying treatments: Applying products to wet hair or rinsing them out.
* Chemical processes: Applying perms, relaxers, or hair dyes, all of which involve chemical exposure.
* Cleaning: Washing towels, capes, and other salon equipment often involves water and cleaning chemicals.
Wet work can lead to skin problems like dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), dryness, cracking, and other irritations due to the constant exposure to moisture and chemicals. Because of this, stylists often take precautions to protect their hands, such as wearing gloves, moisturizing regularly, and taking breaks from wet work when possible.